Obituary of William "Bill" DeSilva

William “Bill” DeSilva, 76, of Hobart, passed away at Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, on Saturday, December 28, 2024.  After saying goodbyes to his loved ones and with his sons by his side. 

He was born April 7, 1948, in Albany. The son of the late Frederick and Ethel “Pete” (Burgin) DeSilva.

He grew up in Hobart, NY and graduated from South Kortright Central School (SKCS) in 1968. Following his graduation from SUNY Morrisville - and then SUNY Plattsburgh, Bill was a teacher at SKCS and then at the Allen Residential Center, in South Kortright, NY. He loved to teach and left a lasting impression on his students.

Bill married his high school sweetheart Janet Kawamoto DeSilva on June 19^th, 1971, at the Hobart Presbyterian Church. This year, they celebrated 53 wonderful years of marriage – 63 years together.

After retiring from teaching, Bill had fun driving school bus for SKCS.  He greatly enjoyed camping and spending time with Janet and their friends at Peck’s Lake.  Together, they loved to travel and visit friends all over. “Bear camp” was a staple for Bill, something he looked forward to every year. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and sport shooter. Bill also cherished making maple syrup with his grandkids every spring.

Bill was an active member of the Hobart Fire Department, Hobart Presbyterian Church and Hobart Rotary Club.  He was instrumental in modernizing the record keeping of the Locust Hill Cemetery. Bill was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in the community and had many, many friends.

Bill is survived by his wife, Janet DeSilva of Hobart. Sons Brian (Katelin) DeSilva of Niskayuna, NY, and Kevin DeSilva of Burnt Hills, NY. His grandchildren Emma, Ethan, of Niskayuna, NY and Aiden, Ari, Brody and Brynn DeSilva, of Burnt Hills, NY. All of whom will greatly miss their “Papa Duck”.

Calling hours will be held 2-5PM on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the MacArthur Funeral Home, 15 Buntline Drive, Stamford, NY

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Bill’s family.